Murmurs spread across the table.
Daniel swallowed and stepped forward, slow and careful. “Ma’am,” he said quietly, “your daughter doesn’t need money. She needs someone who actually sees her.”
Eleanor’s glare turned razor sharp. “You’re dismissed.”
But Ava was already running, wrapping her arms around Daniel’s waist like she dared anyone to pull her away.
That was the moment Daniel realized his life had just collided with something far bigger than himself.
The room crackled with tension. Some board members hid their grins. Others watched Eleanor like spectators at a public implosion.
Her heels clicked as she circled Daniel. “Do you know what you’ve done?” she asked coolly. “You embarrassed me—in front of my executives, my investors, and my child.”
“I didn’t do anything,” Daniel replied, jaw tight. “She chose.”
Ava clung to his arm, defiant and unafraid.
“You think this man can protect you?” Eleanor scoffed. “He can’t even afford a suit.”
Daniel’s uniform was worn, his boots scuffed—but his voice didn’t waver. “I may not be rich, but I won’t let her be treated like a transaction.”
“Integrity doesn’t buy security,” Eleanor snapped.